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Sean Coughlin's picture

Judge's Review: 91 Rating - Vicious Hook by Flying Dog Brewery

August, 2020

Vicious Hook

Vicious Hook

Maryland
United States
Vicious Hook, Flying Dog Brewery
Description 

Big juicy tropical flavors pop in this innovative sour that offers high pucker and low bitterness.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.3%
IBUs: 
5
Malts: 
Wheat
Hops: 
Simcoe

 

 


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Judges Rating: 
91
Aroma: 
23 / 24
Appearance: 
6 / 6
Flavor: 
35 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
9 / 10
Overall Impression: 
18 / 20

Vicious Hook by Flying Dog Brewery is a sour wheat ale with blood orange, pineapple, lactose and cherry and is being evaluated as a Wild Specialty Beer (BJCP 2015 Guidelines Category 28C).

The aroma of this beer will take you back to childhood and the glory days of sipping fruit punch-style drinks such as Hawaiian Punch, Hi-C, Capri Sun, etc. It smells more reminiscent of an umbrella-laden cocktail you might enjoy oceanside rather than a beer. The fruit is loud but complex – it is difficult to ascertain a distinct note of blood orange, pineapple or cherry; they blend harmoniously and create a sum that is greater than its parts. 

Just like the drinks mentioned above, the appearance of this beer is nothing short of artificial-looking. The color lies somewhere between red and magenta with a dense rose-colored head that persists well. The flavor doesn’t have the same fruit impact that is found in the aroma – there is a discernable lactic twang that dominates with a supporting role from the cornucopia of fruit.The addition of lactose is a welcome one as it keeps this beer from having a puckering sharpness to its acidity. The finish is reminiscent of Smarties candies: dry with elements of both sweet and tart.    

This is a well-balanced beer that is remarkably easy to drink. Oceanside, poolside or even sitting in front of the television, this is a bright fruit-forward beer that can be enjoyed in a wide variety of settings and by a wide variety of beer drinkers. Whether you are a kettle-sour aficionado or someone just dipping their toes into craft beer, Vicious Hook is unique and enjoyable down to the last drop.